A.J. Alexander leaves Florida State FB team, plans to transfer close to home

November 14, 2010 - Cory Giger

Former Altoona Area High School standout A.J. Alexander has left the Florida State football team and plans to continue his playing career at a college in this region.

"He's gonna come back here and probably go to school around here. We're not sure yet where. I don't even know for sure," Alexander's mother, Jana Harr, said Sunday night.

Alexander, who received little playing time in three seasons with the Seminoles, has spoken to his mother about three possible colleges. She would not confirm which schools but did say Penn State is not one of them. The Nittany Lions recruited Alexander in high school.

"He wants to be closer back with family and his baby," Alexander's mother said. "He's just not as happy there."

Alexander was one of the most heavily recruited football players in Blair County history and decided on Florida State after originally committing to Pitt.

He began his career with the Seminoles as a defensive back in 2008, played in the first two games of the season and returned a punt for 12 yards before being granted a medical hardship redshirt.

He played in three games as a cornerback during the 2009 season, intercepting a pass and returning it 21 yards against BYU.

Alexander switched to receiver this season and played in five games, catching two passes for 18 yards and carrying three times for 12 yards.

Florida State announced during halftime of Saturday's game against Clemson that Alexander and two other players had left the team.

Alexander will have two years of eligibility remaining and would not have to sit out a season if he transfers down to the Division I-AA level or lower.